HALLEUYAH! HALLELUYAH!! HALLELUYAH!!!
RELEASE DATE: January 3, 2022
WEEK 1: (January 3 – January 8, 2022)
TOPIC: Proclaiming God’s Works
WEEKLY BIBLE READINGS:
Deuteronomy 11: 2-7
2 And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched-out arm,
7 But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.
INTERPRETATION
As believers, we are born into a life of living and declaring the works of God not only through our mouths but by our lifestyles. Jesus while departing the earth charged His disciples to go on to spread the good news (gospel), from Jerusalem to Judea, even to the uppermost part of the earth; due to our connection to the body of Christ, we are partakers of this great commission and are expected to uphold it at all times. However, many in the process of exhibiting this corporate mandate neglect what God really demands from us i.e., our love. One might be wondering that how is it possible not to love God but be deeply immersed in proclaiming his works. Here’s how!
The weekly reading centers on why Israelites should be obedient to God’s commandments. Moses induced them to love God and keep His charge while addressing the generation which saw the works of God among Israel, both in blessing and chastening. He cited instances of when Korah, Dathan and Abiram challenged Moses’ leadership and God vindicated him. He made references to the historical trajectory of how God brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, ensuring divine provision, guidance and protection. Despite these miraculous deeds enjoyed by the Israelites, they were still disobedient, displaying a recalcitrant attitude towards God. The love of/for God is missing. Though they stood with Moses, they do not really believe in the efficacy of God’s power to lead them to the promised land as they kept complaining all through the journey. Their attitude spurred Moses’ anger and he lost track of getting to the promised land because he refused to honour God in the presence of the Israelites. God said touch and not strike; he struck the rock. That’s pure disobedience.
When one disobeys God’s commandment, one does not love God. Love for God never goes against His word. Some believe that love for Jesus allows them to disregard His commands but this is not real love. As Jesus said in John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Real love for Jesus always translates into obedience. Therefore, this is a reminder to love God by keeping His commandment even while proclaiming His works. Our lives should be a reflection of the love of Christ; we should be an embodiment of love just as Christ has instructed. Welcome to the new year!
PRAYER
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael, thank you for your word. Forgive us of all our iniquities, particularly the sin of disobedience. Free us from the bondage of disobedience. Help us to continually stay in your love and be a true reflection of your love as we proclaim your works to the world. Strengthen us to be an embodiment of love and uphold us to keep your commandments. This and many more we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you and God bless. Shalom.
Footnote: “A life without Christ is full of crisis but life in Christ is a great life full of peace. Let that be your Guide & Guard”
Isaiah 59:1 – Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear”